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Elabela (ELA), which is the second endogenous peptide ligand of the apelin receptor (APJ) to be discovered, has been widely studied for potential use as a therapeutic peptide. However, its role in ischemic stroke (IS), which is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide and has limited therapeutic options, is uncertain. The aim of the present study was to investigate the beneficial effects of ELA on neuron survival after ischemia and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Primary cortical neurons were isolated from the cerebral cortex of pregnant C57BL/6J mice. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence showed that ELA inhibited oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) -induced apoptosis and axonal damage in vitro. Additionally, analysis of the Gene Expression Omnibus database revealed that the expression of microRNA-124-3p (miR-124-3p) was decreased in blood samples from patients with IS, while the expression of C-terminal domain small phosphatase 1 (CTDSP1) was increased. These results indicated that miR-124-3p and CTDSP1 were related to ischemic stroke, and there might be a negative regulatory relationship between them. Then, we found that ELA significantly elevated miR-124-3p expression, suppressed CTDSP1 expression, and increased p-AKT expression by binding to the APJ receptor under OGD in vitro. A dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that CTDSP1 was a direct target of miR-124-3p. Furthermore, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of CTDSP1 exacerbated neuronal apoptosis and axonal damage and suppressed AKT phosphorylation, while treatment with ELA or miR-124-3p mimics reversed these effects. In conclusion, these results indicated that ELA could alleviate neuronal apoptosis and axonal damage by upregulating miR-124-3p and activating the CTDSP1/AKT signaling pathway. This study, for the first time, verified the protective effect of ELA against neuronal injury after ischemia and revealed the underlying mechanisms. We demonstrated the potential for the use of ELA as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Graphical Abstract

Ni-based alloy is a typical high-temperature alloy material possessing high hardness, good thermal stability, and wear resistance. It is widely used as the surface strengthening and repair materials for aviation, vehicle engines, and industrial parts. In this study, Ni60 alloy coating was prepared on the surface of ZL109 aluminum alloy by plasma spraying technology, and its tribological properties at different temperatures (T = 25 ℃, 100 ℃ and 350 ℃) were evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the phase analysis, micromorphology of Ni60 alloy coating fabricated with different spraying distance(D = 100 mm, 110 mm and 120 mm). The result shows that with the increase of spraying distance, the defects such as pores and microcracks decrease gradually. The porosity decreased from 2.2–0.76% and the fractal dimension decreased from 1.83 to 1.57. The element composition (Ni, Fe, Cr, Si, C, B) and phase composition (Ni3Fe, Cr23C6 and Cr7C3) of powder and coating were basically the same. The microhardness of the coating after spraying was about 5 times higher than that of the substrate. When D = 120 mm, the microhardness and bonding strength of the coating were the highest, which were 804 HV0.1 and 26 ± 0.05 MPa, respectively. The friction coefficient of the coating in the stable stage decreased with the increase of temperature, and all change in the range of 0.1 ~ 0.2. With the increase of temperature, the width, depth and volume wear rate of the coating increase gradually.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland (LACC) is a major orbital malignancy. The recurrence rate and mortality rate are higher in LACC high-grade transformation (LACC-HGT) compared with in LACC. The present study aimed to identify the candidate microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) and construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network for LACC-HGT. A miRNA microarray on paraffin-embedded tissues was performed to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) of LACC-HGT. The overlap with the salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma miRNA/RNA sequencing dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus was used to identify candidate miRNAs. In order to construct a ceRNA regulatory network of LACC-HGT, a microarray of mRNA and circRNA in primary cell lines was performed. The circRNAs and genes with high expression in LACC-HGT were predicted as targeting miRNAs, and the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed. miR-140-3p was identified as part of the ceRNA network and as a candidate miRNA, therefore this was further analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR. Overall, the Agilent Human microarray analysis identified a total of 16 DEMs from the LACC-HGT paraffin-embedded tissues. A total of 653 DECs and 9,566 DEGs of LACC-HGT primary cell lines were screened via the microarray of mRNA and circRNA. The ceRNA regulatory network was constructed using the cross-binding of circRNA-miRNA, miRNA-mRNA and the downregulated miRNAs in LACC-HGT to clearly demonstrate the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction relationship. RT-qPCR results confirmed that miR-140-3p was downregulated in LACC-HGT tissues and primary cell lines compared with LACC. Target genes CD200 and parathyroid hormone-related protein were significantly upregulated in LACC-HGT primary cell lines. miR-140-3p and its target genes may play an important role in LACC-HGT pathogenesis. In conclusion, the current bioinformatics study constructed a ceRNA network based on a microarray, which may help identify novel miRNA therapeutic targets for LACC-HGT.

Step-chirped gratings is utilized to broaden the bandwidth of wavelength conversion based on single-pass/ double-pass cascaded second harmonic generation and difference frequency generation. By adding the step-chirped gratings number and optimizing the poling period, broad conversion bandwidth and flat response can be obtained simultaneously. The bandwidth of 4-cm-long waveguide with 6-section chirped gratings are 169 nm for single-pass scheme and 164 nm for the double-pass one, which are 98 nm and 101 nm larger than those of uniform gratings, respectively. Furthermore, comparison between step-chirped gratings and equal-segmented gratings is carried out.

When remanufacturing complex surface parts, such as twisted blade, it is difficult to obtain an accurate model. An iterative Genetic-algorithm-based-surface reconstruction method for repair of twisted blade is presented. Genetic algorithm is applied in parametrizing data points and computing knot vectors. Then, the control points of the fitting B-spline surface are calculated by least-squares approximation through either SVD or LU methods. It shows that the accuracy of the method is improved significantly when three different twisted blades surfaces are verified by using the method.

A dynamical tire model under uneven road is reviewed and the model is adapted to carry out simulation of various braking conditions. The damped characters of the tire at low rotated speed are improved through the study on the system of mass-spring-damper in series. A simple and effective brake model is designed and several extreme braking conditions are simulated. The results of simulation show obvious dynamic properties of the tire at various braking excitation.

The principle of laser induced air breakdown was introduced. The laser energy conversion in ionization process was studied. The phenomenon of laser induced air breakdown was observed by using high speed camera. It was found that a higher laser energy induced more laser energy to transfer into light and sound energy. The plasma reached maximum in shape in about 20 to 30 ns after laser excitation, and disappeared in about 16μs.

We report difference frequency generation-based wavelength conversion in step-segmented quasi-phase matched (QPM) gratings. It is shown that both the pump bandwidth and the signal bandwidth are efficiently widened by adding the segment number of QPM grating and optimizing the poling period of the first segment and the period shifts between adjacent sections. Especially, flattop conversion efficiency response with peak-to-peak ripples less than 0.2 dB, which is very helpful to multichannel conversion in WDM systems, can be achieved simultaneously. For 3-cm-long waveguide, the signal conversion bandwidth and the pump bandwidth reach 166 nm and 0.88nm, respectively, meanwhile the maximum efficiency is-0.55dB.

Bandwidth enhancement and response flattening of wavelength conversion based on single-pass and double-pass cascaded second harmonic generation and difference frequency generation in step-segmented quasi-phase matched (QPM) gratings are investigated. For the same waveguide length, high conversion efficiency, flat response and broad signal bandwidth can be obtained simultaneously by optimizing the poling period of the step-segmented QPM structure. The conversion bandwidths in a 3-cm-long five-step-segmented waveguide are 134 nm for single-pass scheme and 132 nm for the double-pass one, respectively, which are both over the whole conventional band and long-wavelength band. The ripple on the matching response can keeps less than 0.2 dB as well.

When remanufacturing complex surface parts, such as twisted turbine blade, it is difficult to obtain an accurate model. A segmentation and iterative surface reconstruction algorithm for repair of twisted turbine blade is described. The algorithm reconstructs the blade surface by segmenting the data points base on design intent and iterating the control points. The continuity of the fitted closed surface is tested byUGand the error of the fitted surface can be verified withImagewareby comparison with three different blades. It shows that the time complexity of the algorithm is reduced greatly, and the error is within the acceptable limits.

Based on the mathematical model of brushless DC motor, a simulation model of brushless DC motor (BLDCM) double closed-loop control system is established by using the voltage equation, the electromagnetic torque equation and the motion equation based on Matlab, then introduces the sub-modules of the controlling system in detail. PID control is used in the speed loop and hysteresis current track of PWM is used in the current loop. The reasonability and validity are testified by the simulation results and this novel method offers a new thought way for designing and debugging actual motors.

Two sweet sorghum varieties (salt tolerant Jitianza 2 and salt sensitive Lvneng 1) were used to investigate their adaptation to NaCl stress under different cultivation conditions of potted cultivation and field cultivation, and selective transport capacity for K+ over Na+, and Ca2+ over Na+ of leaf sheath. NaCl stress decreased Pn, Fv/Fm, fresh weight of leaf sheath and leaf blade, field yield in both varieties. NaCl stress induced Na+ accumulation while it decreased K+ and Ca2+ levels in leaf sheath and leaf blade of both varieties. The increase in Na+ of leaf blade and the decrease in K+ and Ca2+ of leaf blade were greater in Lvneng 1 than those in Jitianza 2. Furthermore, the Na+, K+ contents in leaf sheath of Jitianza 2 were significantly higher than those of Lvneng 1 under NaCl stress. The selective transport capacity for K+ over Na+, and Ca2+ over Na+ of leaf sheath in Jitianza 2 was significantly greater than that in Lvneng 1. Pn, Fv/Fm, stem stalk field, ear field, juice yield, stalk Brix, sugar content of Jitianza 2 were significantly higher than those of Lvneng 1, which was correlated with stronger selective transport capacity for K+ over Na+, Ca2+ over Na+ of Leaf Sheath of Jitianza 2.

In order to screen out the optimum varieties of sweet sorghum to be planted in Yellow River Delta, the agronomy characters of different varieties (strains) of sweet sorghum including jitianza 1 (JZ1), jitianza 2 (JZ2), jitianza 3 (JZ3), jitianza 4 (JZ4), liaosiza 1 (LSZ1), liaotian 1 (LT1), liaotian 3 (LT3), liaotian 6 (LT6) planted in the saline soil of Yellow River Delta were analyzed; Further more, the effect of different sowing time on the agronomy characters of sweet sorghum was explored with JZ2. The study provided bases for the cultivation of sweet sorghum in saline-alkali soil of Yellow River Delta in order to transform the biomass into bio-energy such as fuel alcohol.

High-strength Cu-based bulk glassy alloys with a large supercooled liquid region in Cu-Zr-Ti-Ni systems were prepared by means of copper mold casting. The Cu-based bulk glassy alloys samples were tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Instron testing machine. The result indicates, the maximum diameter was 5.0 mm for the Cu55Zr25Ti15Ni5 bulk glassy alloy. The temperature interval of supercooled liquid region (ΔTx) is as large as 45.48-70.98 K for the Cu-Zr-Ti-Ni alloy. The Cu-based glassy alloys rods exhibited the very high mechanical properties and the distinct plastic strains. The compressive fracture strength is 2155 MPa, 2026 MPa and 1904 MPa respectively for Cu50Zr25Ti15Ni10, Cu55Zr25Ti15Ni5 and Cu54Zr22Ti18Ni6 bulk glassy alloys. The Vickers hardness is respectively 674, 678 and 685 for the Cu50Zr25Ti15Ni10, Cu55Zr25Ti15Ni5 and Cu54Zr22Ti18Ni6 bulk glassy alloys. The addition Co element to Cu-Zr-Ti-Ni alloy expand the ΔTx, the ΔTx is 74.5 K for Cu50Zr22Ti18Ni6Co4 bulk glassy alloys.

The Cu-based bulk glassy alloys in Cu-Zr-Ti-Ni systems were prepared by means of copper mold casting. The structure and corrosion resistance of Cu-based bulk glassy alloys were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electrochemistry method, lost weight method. The result indicates the supercooled liquid temperature interval (ΔTx) is up to 70.98 K for Cu50Zr25Ti15Ni10bulk glassy alloy. The maximum diameter was up to 5.0 mm for the Cu55Zr25Ti15Ni5bulk glassy alloy. For electrochemistry corrosion in 3.5% NaCl solution, self-corrosion electric current density of the Cu50Zr25Ti15Ni10bulk glassy alloys is obviously lower than that of stainless steel and brass, so corrosion resistance of Cu-based bulk glassy alloys is better than stainless steel and brass at the same corrosion condition. The lost weight method showed that the corrosion rate of brass, stainless steel and glassy alloy is respectively 10.08 g/(m2•h), 6.08 g/(m2•h) and 2.19 g/(m2•h) in the 3% NaCl solution, which also indicates that the corrosion resistance of Cu-based bulk glassy alloys is better than stainless steel and brass. The Cu-based bulk glassy alloys can be used in the special field demanding to have the super high strength, hardness and corrosion resistance.

A new motorcycle multi-body modeling technique with SimMechanics was presented which can be used in vehicle handling and stability analysis. The established model included tyre nonlinear characters and vehicle frame compliance. Combining with motorcycle driver model, established in Simulink, a typical vehicle handling test was implemented. With Simulink Virtual Reality, the animation of the motorcycle test was realized.

Field experiment was conducted in the saline soil of Yellow River Delta between May to Oct. Sweet sorghum was planted with different cultivation measures to test the effect of plastic mulch, plant density, organic manure application and additional fertilizer application on the yield, stalk juice Brix and extraction rate. The soil bacteria and actinomycetes quantities were also determined after harvesting to test the amelioration effects of different measures on soil.

In this article, the mechanism of the effects of nano-TiO2 on the properties of automotive topcoat is discussed. Based on the original thought that nano-TiO2 may improve the aging property, a research is carried out into the effects of nano-TiO2 on the properties of automotive topcoat, and the formulation design of nano-TiO2 coating is optimized. The coating properties such as glossiness, adhesion, resisting impact strength, hardness, water fastness and resistance to aging are measured by experiments. The results show that with 1.0~2.0 percent of nano-TiO2 content, the aging resistance of the coating increases by approximaSubscript texttely 20 percent with higher glossiness, while adhesion, impact strength, hardness and water fastness are not meaningfully improved.

In this study, pure and crystalline BaZrO3 powders are prepared by hydrothermal synthesis using of precursor of barium chloride and zirconium oxychloride. The influence of several synthesis parameters is studied. At high OH- concentration, it is possible to obtain the well-crystallized stoichiometric perovskite phase at relatively low temperature. In addition, We had prepared high purity powder took a mere 1h at 130oC. The phase and particle morphology of the product were characterized by the techniques such as XRD, SEM and chemical analyses. The results indicated that the morphology of grain corresponded to rhombic dodecahedron, and the product had a particle size region which is 2~5µm.

To express and purify the fusion protein of TPT1 (tumor protein translationally-controlled 1) in prokaryocytes and to prepare rabbit anti-TPT1 antibody.The expression vector pRSETA(2)-TPT1 was reconstructed and transformed into BL21 (DE3). TPT1 fusion protein was induced by IPTG and the TPT1 fusion protein purified by Ni-NTA His Bind resin was used to immunize the rabbit. The titer of the polyclonal antibody was detected by ELISA and its specificity was analyzed by Western blot and IF (immunofluorescence).The TPT1 fusion protein was highly expressed in E.coli and specific polyclonal antibody was obtained after the immunization.The recombinant prokaryotic expression vector pRSETA(2)-TPT1 is successfully constructed and high expression of TPT1 is induced in E.coli, which may lay the basis for further study of the development and treatment of tumors and other diseases.

The condition for high-yield suspension cell line and the precursors of volatile oil synthesis of Curcuma zedoaria (Berg.) Rosc were studied. The results showed that the light yellow particle callus was suitable for establishment of the high-yield suspension cell line. The optimum conditions for cell growth were MS medium added 15-30 g/L glucose and 15-30 g/L sucrose (1:1) as carbon source, the total concentration of 80 mmol/L nitrogen source combined NH4+ with NO3- (1:3), hormones of 3.0-5.0 mg/L 6-BA, 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D and dark culture after 10-15 days light culture. The 229 g/L cell (FW) and 2.11% content of volatile oil were obtained in vitro. The addition of precursors of calcium pantothenate, ammonium acetate and potassium acetate during the middle period of the cell suspension culture enhanced the volatile oil content respectively, and ammonium acetate was most effective among them. The highest yield of volatile oil obtained was 3.11% and 8.27 g/L respectively , which was 1.25 and 1.2 times of the control group.